How to Use Aromatherapy to Heal Your Mind and Body

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Aromatherapy is an alternative therapy that uses plant materials and aromatic compounds, otherwise known as essential oils, to provide therapeutic benefit. These oils and compounds can help improve mood, cognitive functioning and help you relax.

The theory behind aromatherapy is that they say some essential oils have healing effects. Some evidence supports the hypothesis that essential oils have therapeutic potential. Our noses are powerful, you’ve probably found that scent can trigger all kinds of emotions e.g. nostalgia. A simple whiff of a smell you remember from childhood can transport you instantly back to that time!

Used Since the Dawn of Time

Using aromatic oils has been around for centuries, and many ancient people believed that aromatic therapy was useful. We have used distilled essential oils as a medicine since the invention of the distillation process in the 11th century when steam distillation was first used.

In fact, aromatherapy dates as far back as 400 BC. The Egyptians used plant oils for spiritual and cosmetic purposes, and they also used it to embalm the dead. In the Bible, the use of oils is well-documented, such as myrrh, olive oil and frankincense being used extensively.

Description of a Typical Session

Therapists often combine aromatherapy with practices like massages or facials.
The therapist might ask you to lie on a table for the session. They will apply essential oils or fragrances to your body, which are of a therapeutic grade to help you overcome ailments.
You can deliver essential oils by aerial diffusion, inhaled directly or applied topically via skin care or massage.
Aromatherapy is often used as a supplemental treatment and combined with massage therapy, reflexology or other types of treatments.
Essential oils are usually diluted with some kind of carrier oil for topical application, such as olive oil, coconut oil or even jojoba oil.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Essential oils are effective for a whole range of conditions, including as a psychological mood booster, decongestant, respiratory reliever, energy enhancer, improvement of short-term memory, relaxation, hair loss prevention and even reduction of eczema-induced itching and other skin conditions.
Lemon oil is good for stress relief and as a mood booster.
Oils such as lavender and jasmine are known for their anti-anxiety properties.
Oils, such as peppermint oil, can help relieve headaches and stomach complaints, and lavender for its calming effect.
Tea tree oil has wonderful astringent properties and eucalyptus oil is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial.

Side Effects

As with most health treatments there are side effects, especially if not used correctly or by a person who isn’t qualified. Here are a few of them:

There may be a few safety concerns because essential oils can be highly concentrated.
They can irritate the skin if not diluted or used properly.
Some oils may have negative interactions with conventional medicines so you need to be aware if other medications are in play.

Physical and Psychological Benefits

Aromatherapy has diverse uses:

Physiological

It can help you sleep better, help alter behaviour and relax the mind and body.
It can also help ease stress and even help improve sexuality and sexual response.

Health and Beauty Aid

People have used essential oils in health and beauty for centuries to smooth the skin and beautify the hair.
You can also use them as a laundry additive.
They can even repel bugs as in the usage of citronella.
Essential oils have been used to create fragrant butters and lotions and other types of products for many years.

You can combine oils to help create a more powerful effect. Essential oils may work well for those who enjoy this kind of therapy and there is no harm trying them if you have had no success with more conventional medicines. Just make sure you go to a fully trained professional.

Is It Worth a Try?

Aromatherapy has a lengthy history, and it may help you. Essential oils can relax the mind and rejuvenate the body. They have such a wide range of purposes and you can use them as part of a balanced lifestyle to promote your health and well-being.

It’s entirely up to you if you want to give it a go, but if you have ailments that you haven’t been able to clear up for some time then aromatherapy could be just what you’re looking for.